Ash Borer Infestation Discovered In Houston County
HOUSTON COUNTY
The MDA discovered the infestation in the Upper Mississippi River fish and Wildlife Area, which is about one mile from an infestation in Victory, Wis. that was found in April 2009.
An emerald ash borer infestation was confirmed in three trees in rural Houston County along the Mississippi River, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.
The MDA discovered the infestation in the Upper Mississippi River fish and Wildlife Area, which is about one mile from an infestation in Victory, Wis. that was found in April 2009.
State officials expected to find the pest in the country.
"When the infestation was reported last spring on the Wisconsin side of the river, we knew there was a good chance EAB had made it across the river to Houston County," said MDA Plant Protection Director Geir Friisoe. "That's why we issued a quarantine for Houston County last year even before it was found in the county. This is an expected development, but it is also a reminder that emerald ash borer is a threat to Greater Minnesota and not just the Twin Cities area."
A quarantine is in place in Houston County, which prohibits moving from the county any items that may be infested with emerald ash borer.
Emerald ash borer has already killed more than 40 million ash trees nationwide and in Canada. The beetle's larvae tunnels into the wood of ash trees and feeds on the inner bark.
